Police respond to assault in Ashland, find suspicious circumstances

Sunday

Jan 6, 2013 at 8:10 PMJan 6, 2013 at 11:10 PM

At about 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Ashland police received a report of an assault at Hunter Park on Homes Avenue. The only information responding officers had was that a man had been cut with a knife on his forearm by another man, according to a news release.

At about 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Ashland police received a report of an assault at Hunter Park on Homes Avenue. The only information responding officers had was that a man had been cut with a knife on his forearm by another man, according to a news release.

Police arrived within a minute and located three people to the north of the Hunter Park tennis courts. Officers quickly determined that the three had no involvement and hadn't seen anyone in the immediate area. Two officers searched the park area and found nothing, the release said.

Police then received updated information that the victim was a white man in his 20s, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 180 pounds, and carrying a large hiking knife. Moments later, a 20-year-old man was located at the intersection of Walker Avenue and Iowa Street, who police determined was under the influence of drugs. The man's account of events varied when speaking with police, and investigators began to believe the report of assault may have been fabricated, according to the news release.

Ashland Fire-Rescue arrived and treated the man for a laceration on his upper left arm. He was then transported to Ashland Community Hospital, the release stated.

Investigators determined the man's account of events did not match with officers' observations. A more extensive interview was conducted at Ashland Community Hospital and it was determined the injury most likely was self-inflicted and the man had mental health issues.

He was admitted to the hospital and a mental health evaluation was scheduled. Ashland police refused to identify the man.